“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin the so easily ensnares us. Let run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-3 Christian Standard

They’ve always been there .. even when you thought you were all alone .. forgotten .. and invisible. They had no where else to go? Where could they go? Their home was a kingdom, promised and guaranteed. Their lives belonged to Another. The worlds they lived in tried every tactic .. ridicule .. disgrace .. rejection .. and persecution. It didn’t matter. The One they followed had already defeated the only enemy that mattered. They were free .. free from sin’s condemnation .. free from death’s claim .. free from all the lies that this life is the only life you have to live. They were free to live for the glory of God .. free to live wide open for Christ .. and free to share the grace of Jesus with anyone desperate enough to receive. And now you’re part of these witnesses. That means your life is free to live wide open for Christ .. to live all out for Jesus .. to live with your eyes focused on the source and perfecter of your faith. There will be distractions .. discouragements .. and lies disguised as true. The world you live in still tries ridicule .. rejection .. disgrace .. and persecution. But you already know the story. That cloud of witnesses have left you with the same story they lived and shared. They lived their lives for Jesus. Is there any other race worth running today? It only takes a moment …

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.” Romans 12:1 Christian Standard

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to brothers and sisters following Jesus. (kchesterp1@gmail.com)

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About Ken Chester

I love seeing Christ become alive and real in someone's life. It is amazing what happens when Jesus moves in and starts to renovate a life. When I'm not riding my road bike, I am usually walking our corgi named Trinity (she came that way) and corgi-lab named Lowrider. Carolyn and I are transforming our backyard. And a book is on the way. ...Stay tuned ... Ken